The position of Chelsea captain Reece James has certainly been a big talking point recently.
Reece James, who’s a product of the Chelsea academy, has proven over many years that he’s one of the world’s elite right-backs when he’s fit and firing.
Unfortunately, the 25-year-old’s had frequent injuries disrupt his career, particularly in the most recent campaigns.
Season Injuries Games missed
2024/25 3 21
2023/24 2 38
2022/23 6 25
Reece James injury record via Transfermarkt
It’s a positive sign that the Englishman has been fit since the turn of the year as he contributes to the team, although the club are still cautious with his minutes.
Interestingly, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has played James as a central midfielder in his previous two appearances. He lined up in the centre of the park against Aston Villa in the Premier League, plus played in midfield during Thursday’s Conference League tie against Copenhagen.
Following Chelsea’s win over Copenhagen, Maresca admitted he views James as a midfielder, something he told him when he was appointed in the manager’s dugout. James scored and impressed in midfield in the 2-1 victory over Copenhagen, partnering Moises Caicedo in the first-half and then Enzo Fernandez in the second period.
Photo credit should read Michael Barrett Boesen / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Photo credit should read Michael Barrett Boesen / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Martin Keown agrees with Chelsea using Reece James in midfield
Martin Keown, the former Premier League defender, likes seeing James shifted from defence to midfield. He suggests that he’s a good fit playing in the centre, plus it could help him avoid so many injuries with less sprints.
“It’s interesting that Reece James has sort of been a reincarnation in a position he had as a kid. He went on loan to Wigan as a young player and played in that role. To see him score there is really good news,” Keown told TNT Sports.
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“I think that’s the right way to do it because at full-back we seem to be in an era of hamstring [injuries]… I think it’s more up and down. There’s not the high intensity runs that you’re going to make as a full-back. Actually, he does really well in there, as his goal showed tonight. He can score goals. He’s going to have to reinvent himself.”
"He's going to have to reinvent himself"
Martin Keown was impressed with Reece James's performance in midfield, a position he excelled in earlier in his career 💪
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Back in pre-season, Maresca did begin to experiment with James in midfield. It’s not a position that’s completely alien to him because he’s played there before, mainly during his loan at Wigan Athletic as a youngster.
James admitted he enjoyed playing in midfield during pre-season under Maresca.
Now, we’ve seen the academy graduate start in central midfield during two important back-to-back matches, so it feels like we’ll see much more of it.
Photo credit should read Michael Barrett Boesen / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Photo credit should read Michael Barrett Boesen / GocherImagery/Future Publishing via Getty Images
Chelsea alternatives at right-backs
If James’ long-term future is in midfield under Maresca, it would open up a significant void in the squad at right-back.
Even though Trevoh Chalobah slotted in as cover at right-back versus Copenhagen, we’d much prefer to see him playing in his preferred centre-back position.
The Blues do still have decent options outside of James to play right-back. Malo Gusto is the most obvious option, or rising star Josh Acheampong can also play full-back.
Romeo Lavia is excited about Chelsea youngster Acheampong, and perhaps the new development with James could open the window for him to get more minutes in the first team.